Inside Slant
The Texans continue to sort out their plans at linebacker.
What they do know: new acquisition Morlon Greenwood fits best at weak-side inside linebacker and second-year pro Jason Babin is set at strong-side outside linebacker.
After that, the Texans must decide where Kailee Wong best fits into the scenario and whether third-year pro Antwan Peek can become a fulltime starter.
The Texans are forced to explore options after inside linebackers Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman, the team's top tacklers each of the last three years, were told this offseason they are no longer part of the team's plans. Foreman was granted his wish to be released earlier this month and Sharper has permission to seek a trade, although he's likely to be cut at some point if he isn't dealt.
Wong, who has played both outside positions, could be moved inside to Foreman's former spot. That would open an outside position for Peek, or the team could look to upgrade through the draft. Wong plans to meet with coach Dom Capers next week when Capers returns from the NFL owners' meetings. Wong said he hasn't been told where he would play.
"I just want to play," Wong said. "That's the biggest thing. As long as I'm playing, and I get to play a lot of plays, I'm happy. We're going to definitely have to work harder in minicamp to get everyone on the same page."
NOTES, QUOTES
The offseason decisions to part ways with starting linebackers Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman, the Texans' leading tacklers each of the past three seasons, came as a surprise to some teammates.
"I'm surprised on one hand, but on one hand I'm not," cornerback Aaron Glenn said. "In this business, people come and go real quick and you have to fly with it. Hopefully, the people who come in are going to step in and pick up where those guys left off."
Texans quarterback David Carr and his wife, Melody, welcomed their third son during the offseason.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It seems like the time went by real fast but it's your job so when it's time to go, you have to be ready." - Wide receiver Andre Johnson on the start of the Texans' off-season conditioning program.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
NEEDS/DREAFT PRIORITIES
1. Pass protection. The Texans must do a better job of shielding quarterback David Carr, who was sacked 49 times during 2004 and 140 times in the past three seasons. The Texans were preparing to make a run for left tackle Walter Jones until he signed a multi-year deal to remain with the Seahawks. Buffalo's Jonas Jennings would be a significant upgrade over incumbent Seth Wand. Otherwise, Florida State's Alex Barron and Oklahoma's Jammal Brown are considered the best tackles in the draft.
2. Cornerback. You can never have enough talented corners, especially with Indianapolis residing in the AFC South. Aaron Glenn will be 33 by the time the season starts and it's a deep draft at the position. Imagine getting another one like last year's first round pick Dunta Robinson. Having two terrific cover corners would allow the Texans to do a lot of things with their linebackers and safeties.
3. Wide receiver. Andre Johnson became a Pro Bowl receiver in 2004 but was often neutralized by opponents who thought they could over-commit to Johnson's side of the field because the Texans' lack another reliable deep threat. A free agent such as Jerry Porter (Oakland) or Plaxico Burress (Pittsburgh) would help, although neither will come cheap. Michigan's Braylon Edwards and former USC star Mike Williams are the top receivers in the draft.
usatoday.com Inside Slant article on the Texans
The Texans continue to sort out their plans at linebacker.
What they do know: new acquisition Morlon Greenwood fits best at weak-side inside linebacker and second-year pro Jason Babin is set at strong-side outside linebacker.
After that, the Texans must decide where Kailee Wong best fits into the scenario and whether third-year pro Antwan Peek can become a fulltime starter.
The Texans are forced to explore options after inside linebackers Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman, the team's top tacklers each of the last three years, were told this offseason they are no longer part of the team's plans. Foreman was granted his wish to be released earlier this month and Sharper has permission to seek a trade, although he's likely to be cut at some point if he isn't dealt.
Wong, who has played both outside positions, could be moved inside to Foreman's former spot. That would open an outside position for Peek, or the team could look to upgrade through the draft. Wong plans to meet with coach Dom Capers next week when Capers returns from the NFL owners' meetings. Wong said he hasn't been told where he would play.
"I just want to play," Wong said. "That's the biggest thing. As long as I'm playing, and I get to play a lot of plays, I'm happy. We're going to definitely have to work harder in minicamp to get everyone on the same page."
NOTES, QUOTES
The offseason decisions to part ways with starting linebackers Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman, the Texans' leading tacklers each of the past three seasons, came as a surprise to some teammates.
"I'm surprised on one hand, but on one hand I'm not," cornerback Aaron Glenn said. "In this business, people come and go real quick and you have to fly with it. Hopefully, the people who come in are going to step in and pick up where those guys left off."
Texans quarterback David Carr and his wife, Melody, welcomed their third son during the offseason.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It seems like the time went by real fast but it's your job so when it's time to go, you have to be ready." - Wide receiver Andre Johnson on the start of the Texans' off-season conditioning program.
STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL
NEEDS/DREAFT PRIORITIES
1. Pass protection. The Texans must do a better job of shielding quarterback David Carr, who was sacked 49 times during 2004 and 140 times in the past three seasons. The Texans were preparing to make a run for left tackle Walter Jones until he signed a multi-year deal to remain with the Seahawks. Buffalo's Jonas Jennings would be a significant upgrade over incumbent Seth Wand. Otherwise, Florida State's Alex Barron and Oklahoma's Jammal Brown are considered the best tackles in the draft.
2. Cornerback. You can never have enough talented corners, especially with Indianapolis residing in the AFC South. Aaron Glenn will be 33 by the time the season starts and it's a deep draft at the position. Imagine getting another one like last year's first round pick Dunta Robinson. Having two terrific cover corners would allow the Texans to do a lot of things with their linebackers and safeties.
3. Wide receiver. Andre Johnson became a Pro Bowl receiver in 2004 but was often neutralized by opponents who thought they could over-commit to Johnson's side of the field because the Texans' lack another reliable deep threat. A free agent such as Jerry Porter (Oakland) or Plaxico Burress (Pittsburgh) would help, although neither will come cheap. Michigan's Braylon Edwards and former USC star Mike Williams are the top receivers in the draft.
usatoday.com Inside Slant article on the Texans